Generation Schools enters new phase of growth

Generation Schools, one of South Africa’s most innovative education groups, has secured a significant new institutional investor as Education Investment Impact Fund of South Africa (EduFund), managed by Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI), acquires Trematon Capital Investments‘ founding stake in the business.

This marks a new chapter in the group’s mission to connect young South Africans to meaningful education and employment at a time when youth unemployment remains among the highest in the world.

Founded in 2016 through a partnership between entrepreneur Jevron Epstein and Trematon, Generation Schools was established with a vision of reimagining education by placing future readiness at the centre of the learning experience. Over the past decade, the group has grown into a respected national education brand, serving thousands of students across multiple campuses and educational pathways.

This transaction represents more than a change in shareholding. It creates an opportunity to accelerate Generation Schools’ mission of delivering high-quality education that prepares young South Africans not only for academic success but for meaningful participation in the economy – at a time when youth unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing structural challenges.

Central to the rationale is Generation Trade Schools, the group’s vocational and skills pathway offering. The intention is to scale this arm of the business to meet critical shortages in technical and artisanal skills across the South African economy.

Founder and CEO of Generation Schools, Epstein says: “Our responsibility is not simply to educate students; it is to help shape young people who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader economy. Education must become increasingly connected to real-world outcomes. EduFund and OMAI share that conviction, and this partnership gives us the long-term capital and expertise to accelerate that work at scale.”

Together, the organisations have outlined a growth strategy focused on expanding educational access and creating direct pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. Key areas of focus include:

• Scaling Generation Trade Schools and vocational pathways to address critical skills shortages across the South African economy.
• Expanding access to affordable, quality schooling in underserved and emerging communities.
• Growing South African curriculum-based schools designed to serve the needs of local families while maintaining high academic standards.
• Deepening workplace learning, industry partnerships and employability-focused programmes across all educational offerings.
• Developing innovative learning models that connect education more directly to the future of work.

The transaction preserves the entrepreneurial culture and educational innovation that have defined Generation Schools since its founding, with the existing management team continuing to lead the business.

Epstein also acknowledges the outgoing investor, saying: “We are deeply grateful to Trematon for believing in the vision of Generation Schools from the beginning. Their support, guidance and commitment over the past 10 years have enabled us to build a strong foundation. Most importantly, they have supported a management-backed transaction that allows the leadership team to continue driving the business forward while partnering with one of South Africa’s most respected long-term investors.”

Kelly Joshua, head of Education Investing for OMAI, says: “South Africa’s skills deficit is one of the defining economic challenges of our time, and we believe long-term, patient capital directed at quality education is one of the most powerful levers available to address it.

“Generation Schools has built something genuinely differentiated as a group that combines rigorous academic schooling with vocational and trade pathways that lead directly to employment. By scaling this model, EduFund aims to make a significant impact on the youth unemployment crises South Africa is facing.”

Together, Generation Schools, EduFund and OMAI are committed to building a new generation of schools for a new generation of South Africans.